On dugout railings and predictions

Dempster's injury, Wolf's clairvoyance highlight quotes

Here are some of the notable quotes from around Major League Baseball this week:

"There are a lot of guys who are banged up. I'm just really slow, so it looks worse."

-Josh Bard, Nationals catcher, on playing with a strained groin.
(Washington Post)

"Look, I don't make the future happen. I just predict it."

-Randy Wolf, Dodgers pitcher, who forecast a 13-inning game prior to Sunday's 13-inning win over San Diego.
(Los Angeles Times)

"Guys evolve all the time. Frankie Rodriguez [of the Mets] used to be fastball-slider, now he's a fastball-changeup guy, pretty much. It doesn't have to be a dramatic move. But you've got to give yourself a little wiggle room. You just have to go out there and find it. You try everything, and you search, but it boils down to you go out there and you make good pitches."

-B.J. Ryan before he was suddenly released by the Blue Jays.
(Toronto Star)

"It's definitely special. The fans have been unbelievably supportive of me since I came to Milwaukee. It's one of the reasons I signed a long-term deal. It's that much more meaningful being voted in by the fans. It's also special to have an opportunity to share it with [teammate] Prince [Fielder]. He's been such a big help in my career, has provided unbelievable protection [in the lineup]. He's well-deserving."

-Ryan Braun, Milwaukee left fielder, commenting on being voted into the starting lineup for the National League All-Star team.
(Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

"It's awesome. I'm pumped about the selection and getting to go to St. Louis and be a part of everything. Just the honor of being an All-Star is enough for me."

-Justin Upton, Arizona right fielder, who is hitting .300 with 14 home runs and 19 doubles.
(Arizona Republic)

"I'm not going to stop playing my game because I got hurt. I'm not going to change anything that helps us win games. That's the way I play. Hopefully, I'll deflect or roll off the wall rather than trying to go through it."

"I think he is an All-Star. There's a couple other guys I think are All-Stars, too, and it's just about numbers. But who knows? If this thing shakes out in the next 10 days or whatever it is and injuries do occur, there is a possibility that he may pop up at some point. I think J.P. has pitched well enough to be on this All-Star team."

-Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon talking about Rays reliever J.P. Howell, who ranks in the top five among American League relievers in appearances, strikeouts and ERA.
(Tampa Tribune)

"At times in the past, I think he's lost confidence in his offensive ability, and I've told him, 'There's one thing you can do, and that's hit. Don't let anybody tell you otherwise.'"

-Braves manager Bobby Cox on infielder Martin Prado, who won NL Player of the Week honors after batting .577 with nine extra-base hits and six RBIs.
(Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

"It's an honor. From my heart for all the fans, players, it's something that motivates you to keep getting better. A lot of players from other teams show me a lot of respect, and that's something you have to appreciate."

-Hanley Ramirez, Marlins shortstop, on his selection for a second straight start in the All-Star Game.
(South Florida Sun-Sentinel)

"He has no fear. Nothing gets to him. That's why we can put him anywhere -- ask him to catch or play third or first, and he'll just do it."

"I'm going to get on six different e-mail addresses and vote for Figgy. What he's been doing is awesome."

-Torii Hunter on his plans to vote for teammate Chone Figgins, one of the five players vying for the final All-Star spot.
(Los Angeles Times)

"I've seen a lot in a short period of time. He made some great plays defensively in [Sunday's] ballgame. At the plate, against both righties and lefties, he's shown an athletic swing and some patience. He's given us some great at-bats."

"I know I can play at the big league level. I know I can be on the big stage. At the same time, I have to put together a great season. Last year was solid, but I think I can do better, and I think this organization knows that."

"I'd love to get back before the year's over, but I want to make sure I do what's best for me to have an opportunity to play and be ready and let myself know I'll be ready for next year, too. I want to get every opportunity I can to be ready for this year if I can. If not, then I'll be ready for next year."

- Detroit Tigers pitcher Jeremy Bonderman, limited to one start this season with soreness behind his rotator cuff, who started throwing again this week.
(MLB.com)

"I'm not bunting anymore. I'm telling Tony [La Russa] I'm not bunting anymore. I'm done. I get hit every time I do."

-Kyle Lohse, Cardinals pitcher, who has been hit three times this season, including once this week in a Minor League rehab assignment, when attempting to bunt.
(St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

"I guess it's what I get for making fun of the guys who go on the DL for burning their faces in the suntan booth."

-Ryan Dempster, who suffered a fractured toe while climbing over the dugout railing on Sunday.
(Chicago Sun-Times)

"This year, probably more than other years, I think I've been able to keep hitters guessing a little bit. I've used all my pitches enough that there isn't any count that they don't think I'll throw a different pitch. So I've been able to work ahead, for the most part. Any time you can work ahead of hitters, they are usually going to be on the defensive."

-Joe Nathan, Twins closer, who had 22 saves and a 1.35 ERA through Tuesday.
(MLB.com)

"I have to have four-seam command to pitch here. I can't go out there and be all over the place and solely rely on my sinker."

-Aaron Laffey, Indians pitcher, on what he knows he needs to do to stick in the Major Leagues.
(MLB.com)

"My arm feels good, and my mechanics are repeating. If I'm going to bring that game out there every time, I'll take my chances with that."